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Divergent Raises $290 Million To Scale 3D Printing For Defence And AerospaceSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news. The aerospace and defence sectors are facing a critical moment. Supply chain bottlenecks, rising geopolitical tensions, and the demand for faster, leaner manufacturing have converged to create pressure across the industry. Divergent Technologies has secured $290 million in new funding at a $2.3 billion valuation. The raise, backed by both equity and debt, is designed to accelerate the company’s push into advanced aerospace and defence production. By leveraging digital manufacturing, Divergent aims to change how complex structures are designed and built. Its approach combines additive manufacturing, automated assembly, and software into a single adaptive system. This strategy not only targets efficiency but also strengthens the industrial base at a time when the US is seeking resilience in its defence supply chains. The funding package consists of $250 million in equity and $40 million in debt. Rochefort Asset Management led the investment, underscoring the confidence capital markets have in Divergent’s potential to disrupt traditional manufacturing. For investors, the attraction lies in Divergent’s ability to deliver a repeatable, scalable process rather than one-off engineering projects. Compared with other major defence-tech financings in the past three years, Divergent’s raise places it among the upper tier of venture-backed manufacturers. The investment reflects a wider trend in capital markets: interest in startups that blend advanced manufacturing technologies with mission-critical applications in defence and aerospace. This momentum is not limited to early-stage interest. Across the sector, funding rounds are increasingly directed toward scaling production capacity, signaling investor recognition that cutting-edge manufacturing must move beyond the lab and into deployment. Divergent’s $290 million round exemplifies this shift. At the center of Divergent’s strategy is the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The platform integrates digital design, additive manufacturing, and automated assembly into a single workflow. Unlike traditional factories that depend on tooling and fixed infrastructure, DAPS operates as a flexible production system. Engineers can redesign parts digitally, print them using high-end metal additive processes, and assemble them through robotic automation. This approach appeals to defence and aerospace customers for several reasons. It allows for rapid prototyping and iterative design. It reduces the dependence on global supply chains by enabling local production. And it cuts down material waste, a persistent issue in aerospace manufacturing where parts are often machined from large billets of expensive alloys. Divergent has already established partnerships with industry leaders including General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. These collaborations highlight the practical application of DAPS to projects that demand both precision and scalability. By demonstrating results with such high-profile clients, Divergent is building credibility not only as a technology innovator but also as a strategic partner in mission-critical programs. Supply chain disruption remains one of the most significant risks facing aerospace and defence manufacturers. From raw materials to specialized components, delays and shortages have slowed programs worldwide. The traditional reliance on fixed tooling and long production lead times compounds these challenges. Additive manufacturing provides an alternative to these vulnerabilities. By shifting more of the production process into digital design and localized printing, companies can reduce exposure to logistics bottlenecks. For the defence industry, this flexibility is particularly important. In times of conflict or rapid deployment, the ability to print and assemble components on demand can provide a strategic advantage. Divergent’s system adds another layer of benefit: scalability. Unlike one-off 3D printing applications often confined to prototyping, DAPS is designed to operate as a production-level platform. It enables aerospace and defence firms to move from small-batch experimentation to full-scale manufacturing within the same framework. This capability aligns directly with Pentagon priorities to strengthen America’s industrial base and reduce dependency on fragile global supply networks. Divergent’s funding signals more than growth for a single company. It represents a larger shift in how the aerospace and defence sectors think about manufacturing. For decades, production has been dominated by large, inflexible facilities that required long lead times and heavy capital investments. Today, the industry is increasingly looking to digital, modular, and adaptive systems that can be scaled as needed. For defence planners, the appeal extends beyond efficiency. In an era defined by strategic competition, particularly with near-peer rivals, the ability to innovate and produce quickly is seen as vital to national security. Divergent’s approach of combining software, hardware, and robotics into a single platform aligns with this priority. The implications also extend to allied industries. Commercial aerospace, automotive, and energy infrastructure could benefit from production systems that enable lighter, stronger, and more adaptable designs. As Divergent grows, its influence may ripple outward into sectors beyond its current focus, potentially setting new standards for advanced manufacturing. Divergent’s $290 million raise is more than a financial milestone. It underscores a shift in the manufacturing model for aerospace and defence, moving from rigid, tooling-heavy production lines to digital-first adaptive systems. By investing in capacity expansion and scaling DAPS, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a reindustrialization wave that blends advanced software with additive manufacturing. The long-term success of this approach will depend on execution. Scaling production while maintaining precision is not without challenges. However, if successful, Divergent could demonstrate a template for how future aerospace and defence platforms are built. Sources: Tech Funding News

Manufacturing Today

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16 September 2025

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